In Australia’s transition to net zero emissions, the electricity sector has a major role to play. But does nuclear power have a place in our future grid?
- CSIRO reaffirms nuclear power likely to cost twice as much as renewables.
- Nuclear power does not currently provide the most cost competitive solution for low emission electricity in Australia.
- Long development lead times mean nuclear won’t be able to make a significant contribution to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
- While nuclear technologies have a long operational life, this factor provides no unique cost advantage over shorter-lived technologies.
Despite nuclear power being a component of electricity generation for 16 per cent of the world’s countries, it does not currently represent a timely or efficient solution for meeting Australia’s net zero target.